The Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to immediately halt the clearance of a 400-acre green zone near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) until the next hearing scheduled for Thursday.
The court’s decision came amidst growing protests by students and faculty against the government’s plan to auction the land in Kancha Gachibowli for IT park development. Since Sunday, over 50 earthmoving vehicles have been clearing trees and vegetation in the ecologically sensitive area, which houses diverse flora and fauna.
Legal Battle Over the Land
A High Court bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara was hearing pleas filed by Vata Foundation, an NGO, and petitioner Kalapala Babu Rao. The petitioners argued that while the land is not officially classified as a forest, it possesses forest-like characteristics, including natural vegetation, wildlife, and water bodies. They contended that the destruction of this green cover violates Supreme Court rulings and the Forest Conservation Act.
The Telangana Advocate General countered these claims, asserting that the land has never been designated as forested and was transferred to a private sports management company in 2003 for industrial purposes. Despite these arguments, the court ordered a temporary halt to all land-clearing activities until the next hearing.
Protests and Police Action
Earlier in the day, a protest march led by UoH students and faculty turned violent when police used batons to disperse demonstrators near the university’s east campus. Protesters alleged that authorities had erected barricades to block access to the site, where tree felling continued for the third consecutive day. In response, students boycotted classes and demanded the removal of police forces and excavation machinery.
Call for Government Action
Environmentalists, activists, and former UoH professors have urged the state government to reconsider its decision. Rights activist and former professor Dr. G Haragopal emphasized that no development project should come at the cost of environmental destruction. He also noted that while UoH may not hold legal ownership, the 400-acre tract was originally part of the 2,300 acres granted for the university’s establishment in the 1970s.
Echoing similar concerns, former professor Dr. D Narasimha Reddy stressed that the issue is not about choosing between development and environmental protection but rather ensuring sustainable growth that preserves natural ecosystems.
University’s Response
UoH Vice-Chancellor Prof. Basuthkar Jagadeeshwar Rao addressed the protesting students, stating that the university’s executive council is working to secure formal ownership of the disputed land. He underscored the need for official registration to prevent further encroachments. Meanwhile, UoH student representatives met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, submitting a memorandum to seek intervention in the matter.
As legal proceedings continue, the fate of the green belt near Hyderabad University remains uncertain, with growing pressure on the government to balance urban expansion with ecological preservation.
